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Allergies and household cleanliness

By Melanie Hearse | May 26, 2014

Feeling itchy and scratchy in your slightly mucky home? If you suffer from allergies, then you’re probably not imagining things.

Too small to be seen with the naked eye, allergens are hidden substances or organisms which lurk inside the home either from dust, pollen from the garden, pollution in the air, mould or even hair or dander from house pets. Allergens can provoke an allergy and are common asthma triggers. A reaction to allergens can include wheezing, sneezing and eye itching.

Bedding is a big offender

Recent Australian research conducted by BELL Laboratories found our doona’s are the biggest allergen breeding ground inside the home. Not only do we spend around a third of our lives in close proximity to it, the research found the highest levels of house dust - up to seven times more dust than sofas, chairs, carpets and rugs. The dust found on the doonas also contained on average bigger dust particles, which dust mite allergens are known to live off in the home.

Wayne Anderson, air quality expert at BELL Laboratories, says, “As we sleep with doonas close to our breathing zone, exposure to allergens within doonas tends to be greater than exposure to allergens on any other items in the home and can be a potential allergy risk".

Their research also found items containing feathers or down such as doonas and down-filled furniture released the highest concentrations of dust, followed by woollen items such as rugs or items upholstered with wool fabrics.

What can you do about it?

Using allergy resistant bedding protectors is a good first step – as is washing all sheets and pillow cases once a week in water hotter than 55 degrees Celsius. You should wash doonas and pillows every two months, and use a separate vacuum nozzle specifically designed to clean your mattress.

Windows – Venetian blinds or flat blinds are better than heavy curtains. Washable curtains or external shutters are other options.

Remove carpets, rugs and mats (where practical and affordable) – bare boards and tiled floors are preferable as they can be damp mopped or cleaned with electrostatic cloths.

Wash rugs and mats regularly and dry them outside in full sunshine (if possible).

Vacuum weekly, though be aware vacuuming causes house dust mite allergens to become airborne for up to 20 minutes, so those allergic to them should wear a mask or ask someone else to vacuum.

Research has also found despite regular cleaning, furnishings may retain and release significant quantities of particulate matter or dust which can sometimes cause or trigger allergies. So cleaning alone won’t eliminate them. You can boost the effectiveness of your clean using allergen reducing products – they’ve been found to be effective at reducing allergens in the home.